Set to occur at Etihad Arena, the event will be organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral. The announcement was made during the Arabian Travel Market 2026, where a formal signing ceremony showed the ongoing partnership between IIFA and Abu Dhabi.
Line-up and Ticket Sales
Spanning two days, the 2027 edition will showcase Indian cinema, music, performances, and awards, drawing artists, creators, and audiences to the venue. IIFA has disclosed the initial roster of film personalities set to attend, featuring Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, and Ali Fazal. General ticket sales for IIFA 2027 commenced on September 18, 2026.
For over 26 years, IIFA has been promoting Indian cinema on global stages, with Abu Dhabi emerging as a regular stop on its international tour. This upcoming visit continues a legacy that has seen Yas Island host the event three times before, linking the emirate with Indian cinema and its worldwide followers.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated, “IIFA is one of the world’s most influential celebrations of Indian cinema, and its return to Abu Dhabi reflects the strength of our longstanding relationship with India and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing profile as a leading global destination for entertainment and culture.”
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director, Marketing, Communications and Events at Miral, remarked, “We are delighted to welcome IIFA back to Yas Island for its fourth showcase in Abu Dhabi, bringing the energy and artistry of Indian cinema to Etihad Arena; Yas Island holds a special place in IIFA’s global journey.”
Andre Timmins, Founder/Director of The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards, commented, “Every new chapter of IIFA has been driven by one ambition, to take the magic, emotion and extraordinary power of Indian cinema to the world. In 2027, that ambition becomes bigger than ever.”